Ramin Karimloo imagines and one-shots

One-Shot #16

I ran through the corridors backstage in a panic, pushing past the actors and staff members that surrounded me on every side. 

They had confused looks on their faces, but I ignored them completely and didn't look back. 

I felt like I had crossed hundreds of miles before I made it to my dressing room, and tears were already streaming down my cheeks when I shut the door firmly behind me. 

My heart was thundering wildly in my chest as I sat down and planted my face in my hands.

My loud cries bounced off the walls in the small room, and I didn't care who heard me. 

I was too caught up in my own anxiety to think properly, so everything around me faded into nothingness.

I wasn't aware of how much time had passed before I heard a faint knock on the door. 

"Avery? Are you in here?"

I immediately recognized the gentle voice to be Ramin's, and my heart came to an abrupt stop. 

He can't see you like this! a voice yelled in my head. He'll think you're the most pathetic girl ever!

I stayed silent and prayed that he wouldn't hear my inevitable sniffling. 

A few moments passed by without a sound, and I was convinced that he had left me alone, but my hopes were dashed when he knocked again, this time a little louder.

"Please let me in, Ave."

His soft tone, combined with the sweet nickname he had given me, loosened me up to the point that I sighed and relented. 

I stood up from the sofa and slowly opened the door. 

Usually, I would've swooned over at how gorgeous Ramin was, especially as the Phantom, but I was too miserable to feel anything in that moment, so I settled for a weak nod instead.

He stepped in quickly, closed the door behind us, then pulled me straight into his arms. 

"Avery," he whispered against my hair. "What happened? Are you okay?"

I only let out a whimper in response.

Ramin led me back over to the sofa and sat us down, keeping me firmly in his grasp. 

The cold mask chilled my skin as he placed a tender kiss on my brow. 

"Talk to me," he murmured. "How can I help you?"

"I don't know," I croaked, my body shivering violently. "I'm so scared."

"Shh," he cooed. "It's alright. I'm here now."

I let my head fall tiredly onto his shoulder, and my teeth were chattering loudly. 

His hand came up to stroke my hair gently, giving me a small sense of calm in my anxious whirlwind.

We sat in silence for a blissful moment, but it ended when another knock sounded on the door. 

"Is there anyone in here?" a voice said on the other side. "We're looking for Ramin. He needs to get out on stage!"

I separated myself from Ramin's embrace and moved to open the door, but he suddenly stopped me in my tracks. 

"W-what are you d-doing?" I stuttered.

He quietly pulled me back to him and pressed his index finger to his lips. 

"Don't make a sound," he whispered.

I furrowed my brows in confusion but did as he said.

A few moments passed, and then, a frustrated groan penetrated through the wooden door. 

"Where the hell is he?" the voice asked through gritted teeth. 

I thought the person was going to open the door, but I released a sigh of relief when the footsteps walked away.

Once I was sure he was gone, I turned around and faced Ramin. 

"Why did you do that?" I whisper-yelled. "You need to go out there and do your show!"

"No," he said quietly with a firm shake of his head. "You're more important than this show could ever be, and that's final."

"Ramin-" I started, but he quickly silenced me by kissing me deeply on the lips. 

All my words faded away like a dandelion in the wind, and I involuntarily stroked his chest with my hands.

When Ramin broke off, he rested our foreheads together and hummed the familiar tune of "'Til I Hear You Sing". 

My heart melted at his sweet, tender voice, causing my knees to become weak. 

He wrapped his arms around my waist, however, and prevented me from falling.

"The Phantom must take care of his Angel," he smiled. "I'm afraid you're stuck with me."

I smiled back and laid my head on his chest, hugging him tightly. 

"I love you," I said, my trembling voice muffled in his suit.

Ramin put his chin on top of my head and whispered, "I love you too."